Abstract
The set-aside of forestland for biodiversity purposes is made at widely differing scales, from single trees to very large nature reserves. The goal of the project is to identify cost-efficient solutions for setting aside forest, with consideration taken to the landscape context, the biodiversity level of non set-aside forest (production forest) and to the long-term dynamic aspect of biodiversity as well as economy. Our multidisciplinary research team is composed of ecologists and economists. In our largest study, involving extensive new data collection, we analyse the cost-efficiency of three categories of set-asides: nature reserves (>10 ha), key habitats (>1-5 ha), retention groups on clear-cuts (0.1-0.5 ha). Production forest is included to regard the biodiversity level of non set-aside forestland. Data were collected on stand and site properties (to estimate economic costs) and on bryophytes, lichens and beetles (to assess biodiversity value), in Hälsingland in boreal Sweden in 2004. Three new cost-efficiency studies are planned, on: 1) biotope protection areas (Götaland, southernmost Sweden), 2) retention groups (Västernorrland, north Sweden), and 3) high stumps (Dalarna, Central Sweden). We use different analytical tools, mainly *reserve selection methods* including linear programming algorithms, and quotients between biodiversity value and economic cost. The spatial and temporal dynamic aspects of biodiversity are considered through modelling approaches.
Sweden